Suttur, December 13, 2018: In a significant step towards enhancing the knowledge and skills of agricultural products dealers, a special ceremony was held in Suttur to award Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers – DAESI certificates to the dealers from Mysuru-Chamarajanagara districts.
Underlining the importance of technical expertise in the agricultural sector, Dr. G.R. Pennobali Swami, Nodal Officer of SAMETI (South), Agricultural University, Bengaluru, highlighted the need for trained dealers who can provide farmers with accurate guidance. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Govt. of India, in collaboration with MANAGE Institute, Hyderabad, SAMETI, and Agricultural Universities, designed a one-year training program to address this need. The ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Suttur successfully offered the diploma program in two batches this year.
Dr. M.S. Nataraj, Director of the Extension Branch at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, emphasized the role of diploma holders in understanding farmers’ problems and providing appropriate solutions. He encouraged dealers to collaborate with the Agriculture Department and the University to ensure the dissemination of relevant information.
During the ceremony, Dr. S. Rajendra Prasad highlighted the importance of proper storage practices, urging dealers to keep seeds and pesticides separate to maintain their quality. He stressed the significance of continuous learning and advised dealers to seek guidance from scientists when faced with crop-related challenges.
Presiding over the event, Dr. M. Mahadevappa, Director of the Rural Development Department at JSS Mahavidyapeetha, Mysuru, commended the diploma holders for their dedication and encouraged them to go beyond their business roles. He urged them to establish “farmers information centers” to provide valuable agricultural and farming insights, ultimately reducing farmers’ expenses.
The esteemed gathering included Sri N. M. Shivashankarappa, Director of the Horticulture Department at JSS Mahavidyapeetha, Mysuru, along with Sri Prakash C. Patil and Sri H. J. Jagadish.
Dr. Arun Balamatti, Chief Scientist at ICAR JSS KVK, extended a warm welcome to the guests and the audience. Sri Mahantesh T. expressed gratitude in his vote of thanks, while Sri Satish S. skillfully compered the ceremony.
Dr. S. Rajendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, Bengaluru, distributing certificates to the Diploma holders, at the Diploma awarding programme to the Mysuru-Chamarajanagara Districts Seeds, Fertilizers and Pesticide Dealers, held in Suttur. Pic by: Suttur Nanjundanayaka
